Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has rejoined the Super Eagles camp in Uyo ahead of the team's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar on Friday. Awoniyi was called up by head coach Éric Chelle following the injury that ruled Victor Osimhen out of the Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. This development gives Chelle another option in attack as Nigeria prepares for the first of its two September qualifiers.
Awoniyi's arrival adds to the competition for a place in the starting line-up, with Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and George Ilenikhena also vying for the position. The 28-year-old forward is expected to bring his international experience to the team. Meanwhile, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze also arrived in camp on Tuesday, increasing the number of players to 23, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali having reported earlier.
The Super Eagles have commenced preparations on the pitch, holding their first training session in Uyo as Chelle works on his plans for the Madagascar encounter. The team is looking to make a strong start to the qualifying campaign after failing to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Osimhen's absence leaves Chelle with a major decision to make regarding his attacking formation for the opening qualifier.
Chelle faces a selection dilemma, with Awoniyi offering experience at the international level, while Adams, Arokodare, and Ilenikhena provide further alternatives for the central striking position. The coach must now choose from the available forwards and determine the combination that can lead Nigeria's attack against Madagascar. The team will be looking to build on the momentum from the recent arrivals and training sessions.
Nigeria will be looking to make a strong start to the qualifying campaign, with the first match against Madagascar on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. After the home fixture, the Super Eagles will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L qualifier on September 29. Chelle is expected to use the remaining training sessions to finalise his team.
The Super Eagles' preparations have been boosted by the arrival of key players, including Ndidi, Chukwueze, and Awoniyi. The team is expected to train further in the coming days as Chelle fine-tunes his squad for the qualifiers. The 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar is a crucial match for Nigeria, and the team will be looking to secure a positive result.
The Super Eagles' coach, Éric Chelle, will be hoping that his team can build on their recent performances and secure a win against Madagascar. With a strong squad and adequate preparations, Nigeria is expected to give a good account of itself in the qualifier. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Key points
- Taiwo Awoniyi replaces injured Victor Osimhen in Super Eagles squad for 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar.
- Super Eagles commence preparations for 2027 AFCON qualifier, with Chelle working on his team's attacking formation.
- Nigeria faces Madagascar in 2027 AFCON qualifier on Friday, with the team looking to make a strong start to the qualifying campaign.
